Question

In a solution of silver nitrate, a copper plate was dipped. After some time, silver from the solution was deposited on the copper plate. Which metal is more reactive, copper or silver?

Answer 1

The initial silver nitrate solution is colourless. It turns blue when cupric nitrate is formed. This is an example of a displacement reaction. The reaction can be written as follows:

$Cu\left(s\right)+2AgN{O}_3\left(aq\right)\to Cu\left(N{O}_3{)}_2\right(aq)+2Ag(s)$

Hence, copper is more reactive than silver as it displaces silver from its solution.